Medical abortion between 7 and 9 weeks of gestation in private primary care: practices, motivations, and barriers from a nationwide survey
Noémie HEYSER
During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical abortion between 7 and 9 weeks of gestation (WG) was temporarily authorised in private primary care practices in XXX. This measure was later made permanent by a national law. However, its impact on routine practice in private primary care has not yet been well described.To describe medical abortion practices between 7 and 9 WG in private primary care following a national legal change, and to explore healthcare professionals’ motivations and barriers.We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study between June 2024 and July 2025 among profesional authorised to provide medical abortion in private practice. Eligible participants were general practitioners, gynaecologists and midwives; professionals working exclusively in hospitals or health centres were excluded. The survey used an online questionnaire disseminated through professional networks and a paper questionnaire sent by post to 1,667 practitioners identified via national online directories. Descriptive analyses were performed, including comparisons between providers and non-providers beyond 7 WG. Motivations and perceived barriers were explored accordingly.938 professionals responded (56.3%). Among participants, 94% reported providing medical abortion beyong 7 WG, with high satisfaction (95%). The sample included 56% midwives, 35% general practitioners and 9% gynaecologists, and was predominantly composed of women (89.6%). Professional specialty influenced practice, with higher uptake among midwives and lower rates among general practitioners. Practitioners performing less than 10 abortions per year were less likely to provide medical abortion after 7 WG. Teleconsultation was widely used during the COVID-19 period and partially maintained after. Key motivations included offering women a choice of method and improving access by reducing delays. Among non-providers (n = 58), the main barriers were lack of demand (43%), fear of complications and insufficient training.The identification of eligible professionals revealed limited availability and visibility of private abortion providers in some areas. Midwives may represent an important driver for improving access to this practice. Targeted training and strengthened links with hospital services, particularly for low-volume providers or those expressing reluctance, may help improve its implementation.Medical abortion between 7 and 9 WG is well accepted and widely practised in private primary care, with few practical challenges.
Pharmacists' perspective on dispensing contraception to high school students.
Morgane CHAMBOUX
The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing in Europe, particularly among adolescents. Their knowledge of STIs is poor and their sexual behavior is often risky. Several studies show that general practitioners are not recognized by high school students as the preferred point of contact for questions about sexuality, so there are few requests for consultations on this subject. Contraceptive provision is a frequent reason for adolescents to seek medical advice, but recent studies show that their main point of contact in this context is the dispensing pharmacist. Free condoms in pharmacies for 18–25-year-olds since January 2023 reinforces the importance of pharmacists in matters of sexuality.The objective of this study was to explore pharmacists' perspectives on sexuality issues associated with dispensing contraception to high school students, as well as their professional exchanges with general practitioners on this subject.This was a qualitative study using the grounded theory method conducted among a sample of community pharmacists based in the region XXX.Eleven pharmacists participated in semi-structured interviews between October 2024 and September 2025. They noted that they provided little information on sexuality issues when dispensing contraception to high school students. Some felt a lack of professional and personal legitimacy and even a fear of being ridiculous, when addressing these topics. They may resort to humor or a monotonous, trivialised discourse. Pharmacists also mentioned constraints related to the pharmacy, such as a lack of confidentiality or pressure from queues, which led them to sacrifice certain information, often relating to STIs and other sexuality issues. Although they found that people consider the pharmacy as : “an open bar”, they themselves felt isolated from other healthcare professionals.Pharmacists could be the key to identify the at-risk adolescents and referring them to the appropriate healthcare professional. However, to fulfill this role effectively, it is essential to improve their link with local care pathways.A large-scale study is needed to assess the benefits of improving links between pharmacists and other local health professionals on high school students' knowledge and sexual health.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals and alterations in sperm parameters: an umbrella review
Dan EYAL
Male infertility is an increasing public health concern. Numerous data suggest that environmental exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may impair spermatogenesis. Among these, phthalates, bisphenols, triclosan, and parabens are ubiquitous compounds, widely used in plastics, food containers, and personal care products, that can interfere with hormonal regulation and induce testicular oxidative stress.To synthesize data from systematic reviews evaluating the association between postnatal exposure to these four classes of EDCs and alterations in sperm parameters in adult men.An umbrella review (systematic review of systematic reviews) was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed and Embase were searched up to July 2025. Included were systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on adult men with postnatal biological measurements of exposure (urine, blood, or semen). Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool.Nine reviews published between 2015 and 2024 were included. A general adverse trend was observed between exposure to certain EDCs and sperm quality, particularly sperm concentration and motility.The level of evidence is moderate to high for phthalates, moderate for bisphenol A, low to moderate for triclosan, and low for parabens. Proposed mechanisms include testicular oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and mitochondrial damage in germ cells.This synthesis highlights a consistent body of evidence linking postnatal exposure to certain endocrine disruptors, notably phthalates and bisphenol A, with measurable impairment of sperm quality. While not demonstrating causality, these findings support the hypothesis of an environmental role in the decline of male fertility.
Addressing Female Sexual Dysfunctions in General Practice: A Study of General Practitioners’ Practices in Brittany
Sidonie CHHOR
Female sexual dysfunctions are understudied despite an estimated prevalence of 50% among women. They are also rarely addressed during general practice consultations: only 8% of women are questioned about it, even though general practitioners (GPs) are their first point of contact.To study practices of GPs in Brittany in addressing and managing female sexual dysfunctions (FSD) and their potential barriers and expectations, in order to identify avenues for improvement.A qualitative study, semi-structured interviews with general practitioners, either locums or established, practicing in Brittany.Thirteen physicians participated. Most reported feeling comfortable with the topic and acknowledged the importance of screening for FSD, although they underestimated its prevalence in their own patient population. Gynecological consultations were considered the most appropriate time to introduce the topic. Some presenting complaints, such as depressive disorders or chronic diseases, also prompted discussion. Physicians generally began management themselves before referring patients to other sexual-health professionals when necessary. The main barriers identified were lack of time, lack of solutions, as well as the patient’s emotional and relationship context. Male physicians also cited their gender as a limitation.This study highlights that, consistent with literature, general practitioners tend to underestimate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and rarely address the topic during consultations, typically only when linked to the patient’s primary reason for visiting. No literature-validated screening tools are employed. Key barriers identified include limited consultation time (as in the literature), inadequate training, discomfort related to the physician’s gender, age-related assumptions about patients, cultural factors. Creating a dedicated sexual-health consultation, regardless of patient age, could help offset time limitations. Physicians expressed a need for brief, practical, literature-validated training programs focused on communication, alongside improved awareness among patients and partners. The study employs a rigorous qualitative methodology but presents limitations, including recruitment and a focus on heterosexual women.The study shows that GPs seldom address female sexual dysfunctions outside gynecological consultations, hindered by time constraints and taboos. To facilitate the discussion of FSD a standardized question could be useful. It's important to improved professional training and increased patient awareness. Sexual health should be fully integrated into women’s overall health.
Experiences and trajectories of thermal testicular contraception users : a qualitative study in metropolitan France
Sidonie CHHOR
The thermal testicular contraceptive method (TTCM) has been used since the 1980s and hasn’t yet received marketing authorization. Initial clinical studies recommend wearing the device for 15 hours per day, with spermogram checks every three months to ensure temporary infertility. This approach has demonstrated significant contraceptive effectiveness. Several studies have explored both male and female expectations regarding TTCM, as well as the level of awareness among general practitioners.The objective of this thesis is to explore the experiences and trajectories of TTCM users in metropolitan France.To address this research question, we conducted a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews carried out between February and October 2024. Participants were men currently using, or who had previously used, a thermal contraceptive device, recruited through local user associations.Eleven participants were included. The interviews, which lasted an average of 60 minutes, revealed multiple motivations for starting contraception : concern for their partner’s health, a desire to share the contraceptive burden, previous contraceptive failures, ecological considerations, and activist commitment. TTCM was chosen for being perceived as more respectful of the body, although some users remained cautious due to the limited number of clinical studies. User trajectories were often supported by two main networks : associative support, appreciated for its practical expertise, community engagement and assistance with device design, and medical support, which varied from informed encouragement to discouraging attitudes, that can lead to a breakdown in trust to the health care system. Contraceptive use was marked by experimental adaptation : adjusting the protocol to everyday life, managing spermograms, and navigating relationship dynamics. Participants expressed a strong desire for better recognition of the method by the healthcare system. TTCM represents a shift in gender roles, a way to take responsible action, and a challenge to traditional notions of masculinity.This study highlights key themes in the experiences of TTCM users and outlines areas for further research. Particular attention should be paid to users’ expectations regarding medical follow-up by general practitioners and laboratories, the effects of male-led contraceptive experimentation on fertility, and the evolving paradigm of gender relations in this context..
Impact of taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis on sexuality and mental well-being of users of this therapy.
Zoé BATAVE
PrEP is a prevention tool included in the global HIV strategy, aimed at reducing infection. Our research focused on its impact on the sexuality and mental well-being of its users.We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with adults taking PrEP for more than six months, followed at the CeGIDD (Institute for the Study of Sexuality and Disorders) in Montpellier. The phenomenological and thematic analysis aimed to explore their subjective experiences.The interviews with the 11 participants highlight the profound transformations brought about by PrEP in terms of sexual and relational experiences. It is perceived as a lever of freedom, promoting a positive reinvestment in sexuality. The reduction in intellectualization of relationships and the improvement in overall sexual satisfaction reflect psychological liberation, both individual and collective. At the societal level, although confusion persists between PrEP and TasP, it encourages discussion and dissemination of this prevention method and reduces certain family stigmas. Nevertheless, increased risk-taking, linked to a sense of safety, was mentioned, as well as new forms of intra-community stigma, depending on PrEP use. Our study highlights the need for prospective research on PrEP’s long-term effects on mental health, sexual well-being, and risk behaviors, while also considering relational dynamics and stigma to improve user support.The discussion explores how PrEP influences sexual behaviors, perceptions of risk, and users’ mental health. It highlights psychological and sexual liberation, improved quality of life, but also raises questions about the decline in condom use, the relationship to medication, and generational differences in the perception of HIV.Our study highlights the positive impacts of PrEP on sexuality and psychological well-being, while highlighting some ambivalence. A long-term, prospective quantitative study would allow for a more in-depth study of its impact on quality of life.
A brief tool to help general practitioners address adolescent sexual health in routine consultations
Camille LEPINE
Sexual health indicators among adolescents (rates of sexually transmitted infections, use of emergency contraception, and rates of abortion) highlight the need for general practitioners to address these issues during consultations. However, several barriers exist: lack of time, feelings of incompetence, discomfort with the topic, and the presence of parents. To date, no structured communication tool exists to facilitate such discussions during non-dedicated consultations.To develop a brief intervention tool for general practitioners, designed to initiate conversations about sexual health with adolescents, regardless of the initial reason for consultation.A nominal group consensus method was used. A panel of 11 experts was recruited by email, selected for their experience in adolescent or sexual health (including established general practitioners, residents, a gynecologist, midwives, and a forensic physician). The nominal group session took place in February 2025 at the Faculty of Medicine, lasted three hours, and resulted in the creation of the tool. The session was audio-recorded twice and accompanied by note-taking by two researchers. After individual reflection, proposals were discussed collectively, organized into categories, prioritized, and reformulated by consensus.The proposed tool consists of seven questions or statements. It begins with a caring invitation that respects the adolescent’s consent: “Now, if you’re okay with it, we can talk a bit about your intimate life…” It includes wording adapted to the possible presence of parents and systematically reminds the patient of their right to medical confidentiality. The questions allow exploration of sexual activity and contraception needs. A closing phase standardizes the proposal of a dedicated follow-up appointment and the provision of reliable resources.The tool, developed by a multidisciplinary panel, is simple and quick to use. It is currently being evaluated among medical students and general practitioners regarding its feasibility, acceptability, and impact on professional practices.We have created a brief intervention tool to be made available to general practitioners, enabling them to address sexual health with adolescents, regardless of the initial reason for consultation. The presentation of this tool provides an opportunity to reflect on professional practices, as well as on personal barriers and perceptions related to adolescent sexual health.
